Inclusive soccer initiative gives more kids a place on the pitch

MORE children are getting the chance to pull on the boots and be part of a team through an all-abilities soccer program at Armstrong Creek FC.

Armstrong Creek FC runs one of the largest all-abilities programs in the region and welcomes about 20 juniors to training each week.

Inclusion and disability coordinator Abbie Harper is the driving force behind the program.

Each week she helps group participants with familiar friends and creates social stories for every drill.

These small changes help create a safe and familiar environment.

“Everybody deserves to be included,” Harper said.

“I went OK, how can the kids in our community be involved with football and now we have between 16 and 22 kids return each week.”

The program is supported by coaches and junior players from within the club, and Harper hopes to see it continue to grow.

Having upper-junior players assist with coaching has helped younger participants develop both social and soccer skills.

Club president Jamie Woods said Harper’s contribution to the program and club had been a “godsend”.

He said he jumped at the opportunity when she offered to take on the position.

“I just want kids to be able to play sport,” Woods said.

“At the end of the day, it’s very important for everyone to have the opportunity to play sport and to be part of a team and I think with the inclusion clinic we’ve really nailed that.

“Everyone gets to go and to be part of a team.”

Woods said he was proud of the enthusiasm shown by junior players involved in the program.

He said their willingness to support younger participants demonstrated the club was moving in the right direction and fostering an environment where everyone felt welcome.

The inclusion clinic is run in conjunction with Football Victoria and has also been delivered at clubs across the region.

Participants will come together on 27 June for Football Victoria’s regional All Abilities Celebration Day.